Discover Your Gift

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. —1 Timothy 4:14

It is imperative that you discover what God wants you to do and go ahead with it in the church and in your life. Dr. Clyde Narramore says, "Your natural gift is God's hint what to do with your life." Let me pose three questions to help you explore ways in which your gifts can be recognized.

This first is: What do you enjoy? Your gift is often what you like to do. And you say, "Well, I couldn't have imagined that to be something God would want me to do." I never will forget, back in 1954, when God used a Scotsman, Dr. John Logan, who was ministering in America, to make me come to terms with the fact that God had called me to preach because I loved talking about the Bible. And I think it was one of the reasons I had postponed recognizing a call to preach, because I almost felt guilty that it was what I loved more than anything.

The second question is: What do you feel is right for you? I often quote Romans 14:19: "Do what leads to peace." That does refer to church unity, of course, but I think equally it refers to internal peace. A person who operates at the level of his incompetence is tired all the time. This is what causes a nervous breakdown. And sometimes his pride won't let him admit to himself, "I can't do this." When this happens you need to step back, admit that this is not your gift, and do what leads to peace. You need to ask yourself, What is right for me? You do what gives you peace inside.

The third question is: What do others recognize in you? If God has called you to preach, there will be open doors; people will want you. We must live within the limit of our gift, but also up to the level of responsibility that our gift requires. Do not covet another person's gift, but admit what you know is your own gift and responsibility.

More From By Love Transformed

Your Turn

Please be considerate and respectful of your fellow posters. If Jesus and your mother would not approve of your writing, you should revise your comment before submitting.

Use standard writing style and punctuation. Complete sentences and proper grammar will help others understand you.

Do not use profanity, obscenities, abusive language or otherwise objectionable content (as determined by Charisma Media moderators, in their sole discretion). Comments should not harass, abuse or threaten another's personal safety or property, make false statements, defame or impersonate someone else.

Do not question others' faith just because you disagree with them. It adds nothing to the discussion and only causes strife.

Do not question why someone comes to this website just because they disagree with you or the content of the article.

Do not post personal information including phone numbers, email or mailing addresses, or credit card information belonging to you or others.

Do not include copyrighted content or other intellectual property that you do not own or have the explicit rights or lisenses to distribute.

Do not post, directly or through links, viruses, misleading, malicious or off-topic content.

Please consider the following statements pertaining to comments posted by you and other visitors to our website:

Appearance of comments, advertisements or hyperlinks made by other commenters on this site do not necessarily indicate or constitute acceptance of or endorsement of the products, companies, corporations, ministries, organizations or agencies in whole or in part by staff members and/or the members of the editorial board of Charisma Media.

Comments are not pre-screened before they post. Charisma Media reserves the right to modify or remove any comment that does not comply with the above guidelines and to deny access of your Disqus account to make additional comments to the website without any notice. If you have been denied access to comment due to a violation of these terms please do not create multiple accounts in an attempt to circumvent the system. The correct course of action is to request a review of your account status by contacting webmaster@charismamedia.com.

Charisma Media is not responsible or liable in any way for comments posted by its users.

If you believe a comment is in violation of the above guidelines, U.S. law or International treaties, or is legitimate "trolling" please flag the post or contact webmaster@charismamedia.com. Include a link to the comment, along with a statement explaining what you believe the violation is and any evidence backing your claim. Charisma Media moderators will consider your request and decide on the most appropriate action.